Read More

Nottingham Forest fans at last season's City Ground clash with Derby County (Image: Dan Westwell)

“I know what this game means, I have been here for only a few months,” said Karanka. “But since I got here, people have been looking ahead to this game.

“Thankfully we are arriving here in a good moment. If this game had been three weeks ago, I do not know what would have happened.

“But now we are good, we are confident.

“The last game at home, in the final minutes, we could feel the fans’ support. They were behind us and that is nice for us.

“The players are desperate to play because we are in our stadium, in front of our own fans in a good atmosphere. It will be perfect to give our crowd a good present.”

Forest have little left to play for but pride – but could put a big dent in Derby’s play-off hopes, if they can claim victory on Sunday. If other results go against the Rams, they could head into the big game with only a single point advantage keeping them in the top six.

But Karanka says his desire for victory is motivated by the desire to give Forest fans something to smile about, rather than any craving to hurt their opponents.

Read More

“The experience in the squad will be vital. I told you the team that can manage the atmosphere and the expectation is the one that will do well.

“To have experienced players in these games is really vital. Experienced, good players who have played in the Premier League – having those is important.

“We do need to make a positive start. But this is the kind of game where you do not need to tell the crowd (that you need their backing). Everyone is excited, everyone cannot wait to get the game started.

“As a player you love to play in these games. You don’t need to tell the players that they have to make a good start, because they already know.”